Curator’s statement
Memphis delivered an unforgettable blend of music history, Southern charm, and unexpected surprises. The journey began at Graceland, where Elvis Presley’s legendary home offered an intimate glimpse into the King’s life, while Beale Street showcased the city’s musical soul with blues legends and vibrant nightlife. The whimsical daily duck march at the elegant Peabody Hotel and the massive Bass Pro Shops Pyramid—a transformed sports arena turned retail wonderland—proved that Memphis perfectly balances iconic experiences with delightfully quirky attractions. From paying respects to the King to watching ducks waddle down red carpets, Memphis created memories that were both deeply meaningful and memorably fun.
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Things to do in Memphis
Memphis from above: downtown skyline, Mississippi River bridges, and endless Tennessee horizon from the top of the iconic Bass Pro Shops Pyramid
Duck march at Peabody Hotel: I had to see this for myself after hearing about it for years! Watching those ducks march down the red carpet from the elevator to the fountain was every bit as charming and quirky as promised—definitely a must-see.
Blues Walk of Fame: Walking through and seeing tributes to all the legendary blues artists who got their start right here in Memphis really drives home how much musical history this city holds.
Woodruff Fontaine House Museum: This gorgeous Victorian mansion was exactly what I was hoping to find! I always hunt down historic homes wherever I travel, and this one didn’t disappoint with its beautiful architecture and fascinating stories.
Bass Pro Shops Pyramid: I wasn’t expecting much from a sporting goods store, but those panoramic views from the observation deck overlooking the city and Mississippi River were absolutely incredible.
Graceland: I could have easily spent the entire day here and still not seen everything! Beyond Elvis’s home, touring his private planes, checking out his car collection, and exploring all the museums and attractions made it feel like a whole Elvis theme park.
Places to eat & drink in Memphis
The perfect Memphis BBQ experience at EP’s Bar and Grill: great atmosphere, even better pulled pork sandwich, and I loved seeing Elvis’s famous peanut butter banana sandwich on the menu, too
EP’s Bar and Grill: The Memphis BBQ here lived up to all the hype. I went with the pulled pork sandwich and it was absolutely delicious—exactly what you’d hope for from authentic Memphis barbecue. I also noticed they had Elvis’s famous peanut butter and banana sandwich right there on the menu.
Minnie Mae’s Sweets Shop: This charming ‘50s-style diner right at Graceland was the perfect pit stop during our tour. The ice cream was delicious, and sitting in those classic booths made me feel like I’d stepped back into Elvis’s era.
Sugar Grits: We started our Memphis mornings right with some authentic Southern breakfast here. They had great gluten-free options available too, which was a nice surprise. Exactly the kind of local flavor that makes a trip memorable.
Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous: This legendary Memphis institution has been serving barbecue in a basement location through a downtown alley since 1948, right across from the Peabody Hotel The Rendezvous. The underground setting feels like a hidden speakeasy, and their famous dry-rub ribs (no sauce needed!) and walls covered in Memphis history Memphis Travel makes this exactly the kind of authentic local flavor you’re looking for.
The Beauty Shop Restaurant: This whimsical New American eatery is housed in an actual former 1950s beauty salon, complete with vintage hair-dryer chairs, glass-brick booths, and glamorous copper and silver-leaf walls. The unique setting perfectly matches your love for interesting atmospheres, and it’s purely Memphis - you won’t find anything like this anywhere else!
Need to know
Plan a full day for Graceland and arrive early: This isn’t just a quick house tour! Graceland closes earlier than you’d expect, so get there when it opens to have enough time to experience everything. Beyond Elvis’s home, there are museums showcasing his cars, costumes, and personal artifacts that really show how he shaped modern entertainment. You’ll be amazed to see how many of today’s artists were inspired by Elvis. The exhibits connect his influence to current performers in ways that bring music history full circle.
Save Beale Street for the nighttime: Don’t bother visiting during the day when most places are closed. Beale Street truly comes alive after dark with live music pouring out of every club and venue. The energy and authentic blues atmosphere at night is when you’ll really understand why this street is legendary.
Embrace the quirky alongside the iconic: Memphis perfectly balances serious musical history with delightfully unexpected experiences. Don’t skip the Peabody duck march just because it seems touristy—these unique local traditions are what make Memphis special.
Seek out authentic local dining: Skip the chains and dive into Memphis’s incredible local restaurant scene. From underground barbecue joints to restaurants in converted beauty salons, the city’s dining experiences are as memorable as its music.
Take time to wander: Whether it’s strolling the Blues Walk of Fame or exploring historic neighborhoods, Memphis rewards travelers who slow down and soak in the atmosphere. The city’s stories are everywhere, not just in the famous attractions.
Pack comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be doing more exploring than you expect, from Graceland’s multiple buildings to Beale Street’s music venues to taking that elevator ride up to the Bass Pro Shops observation deck for those panoramic views.
Travel Advisor
Jodi Grooms
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